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DAVENPORT'S CHRISTMAS WONDER SHOW

I had the pleasure of interviewing Roy Davenport a few days ago, and I must say that when he arrived at my office I was stunned by his appearance.  Instead of rolling up in a pullover and slacks, he stood before me in full evening dress, right down to his eye-catching bow-tie.  I must say that this was one of his illusions, as underneath was an enthusiastic, clever man, who obviously enjoyed his art and history to the full, demonstrating some of his slight-of-hand illusions and completely baffling me!

He comes from a long line of Davenports who have been involved in magic since 1890, when his Great Grandfather, Louis, appeared in Music Hall Shows, displaying his art.  Roy is the 4th generation to be plying his magic on stage.  Roy, who doesn't like to be called a magician, prefers to be known as an illusionist and stage manipulation artist.   He first got involved in magic when he was only four years old; showing his talents off when only six, and appearing in his first stage performance when he was only 10.   He was lucky enough to appear with "The Great Kovari" as his son, who normally assisted him, was taken ill.  Roy was asked to take his place.  Kovari, a Hungarian, was one of the best-known illusionists of his time, and Roy performed with him at the Polka Theatre.  If he was not already hooked, then he was after that performance.  He furthered his talents later when he was accepted into the Mountview Theatre School.  His talents must have been obvious as each intake of 40 was picked from 3,000 applicants. 

After his education, he set off establishing himself, appearing at functions such as weddings, anniversaries, etc., going round the tables and demonstrating his skills at close quarters.  Although he still does this sort of function, his main aim was to perform in his own traditional variety shows.  He put on one of his first major "variety" shows (he stresses that they are not limited to magic) last year, at the Auden Theatre in Gresham School, Holt.  After this success, he was invited back this year, where "Davenport's Christmas Wonder Show" will take to the stage on December 19, until January 6, 2006.  You can book tickets on 01263 713444.  The compère for the show will be the renowned Ali Bongo, an advisor to both David Nixon and Paul Daniels, and who later had his own series.  A long-time friend, Richard Griffin, with his assistant Haley Jane, will be demonstrating his "Magic with Class" routine, which has taken them worldwide.  Along with the very talented Demon Dancers, his six-piece band will perform completely live throughout (no pre-recorded music in this show) and also supporting will be David and Pauline Conway, with their excellent musical comedy routine; Norfolk's own funny man, Nigel 'Boy' Syer; and, Australian jazz singer and dancer, DeannaGalipo.  All-in-all, a show worthy of the name "Variety".

Roy has, in the last two years, performed at two prestigious functions: one at St James' Palace with Sir James Galway, and one for Morgan Stanley at the Palais Verseilles.   He has also won two first places at the International Brotherhood of Magicians' Southport Convention.  As his family have been in the business for 115 years, they have collected many props and experiences from the magic world and his long-term objective is to open a museum, in North Norfolk, dedicated to slight-of-hand and manipulation skills, which will also feature many of the Great Kovari's stage material, which he has recently bought.  So make sure you get your tickets soon, as this bubbly, enthusiastic artist will be presenting a show not to be missed.